What Is a Queef, Actually? And How Can Pelvic PT Help?
Most people don’t talk about queefing, but if it’s happened to you, you know how awkward it can feel. A queef (sometimes called a “vaginal fart”) is simply the release of trapped air from the vagina. It usually happens during exercise, yoga, sex, or even when you stand up quickly after lying down. While it can be surprising or embarrassing, queefing is not the same as passing gas—there are no odors involved, because it’s just air, not digestion.
So what causes queefing, and when might it be a sign to seek help?
Why Queefing Happens
Pelvic Floor Muscle Function: The pelvic floor muscles act like a supportive hammock at the bottom of your pelvis. If these muscles aren’t coordinating properly—either too tight, too lax, or not working in sync with your breath—air can get trapped and then released.
Exercise and Movement: Positions like downward dog, deep squats, or certain core moves can naturally draw air into the vagina, which escapes as soon as you shift positions.
Sexual Activity: Penetration can push air into the vagina, which may be released during or after intimacy.
Pelvic Health Changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, surgeries (like C-section or hysterectomy), or conditions like pelvic organ prolapse can all affect the way the pelvic floor supports and coordinates, making queefing more noticeable.
When Queefing Is Just Normal—and When It’s Not
Occasional queefing is totally normal and nothing to worry about. But if it’s frequent, uncomfortable, or happens with everyday movements, it could mean the pelvic floor and core aren’t functioning as smoothly as they should. Sometimes it’s also paired with other symptoms, like leaking urine, pelvic heaviness, or pain.
How Pelvic PT Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and coordination of the muscles that support your pelvis, core, and diaphragm. A pelvic PT can:
Assess your pelvic floor muscle tone (too tight? too weak?) and help retrain balance.
Teach you how to coordinate diaphragmatic breathing with pelvic floor and core engagement so the system works together.
Address posture and pressure management strategies to reduce trapped air during movement.
Release scar tissue or fascial restrictions from childbirth, C-section, or pelvic surgery that may affect support.
Provide individualized exercises to improve hip, core, and pelvic mobility.
Bottom Line
Queefing is a normal body function—but if it’s happening often or interfering with your comfort and confidence, pelvic floor PT can help get to the root cause. You don’t have to just “live with it.” Addressing pelvic floor health can improve not just queefing, but also your overall core strength, bladder health, and pelvic comfort.
